Stephen F. Austin State University

Mel Finkenberg, Regents Professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Stephen F. Austin State University, has been selected to receive the 2007 Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Administration of the Year Award.  This is the first time this honor has been awarded.

He will receive recognition at the 84th annual convention in Galveston during the awards dinner Friday, Nov. 30.

According to the Web site, the association is a non-profit organization committed to the development of knowledge and programs active in promoting healthy lifestyles in related fields of health education, physical education, recreation and dance.  It is the only association in Texas that serves all four areas. 

Finkenberg believes TAHPERD is the most respected state organization of its kind in the nation. 

“It is the largest organization for health, physical education, recreation and dance in the nation and has many excellent teachers,” Finkenberg said.  “It’s an honor to even be considered.”
Finkenberg became a regular member of TAHPERD in 1970 when he began working toward his master’s degree in physical education at SFA.  He has received many other awards for his contributions in the field of kinesiology but regards this achievement as particularly special considering his long-term commitment to the program.

For more information about TAHPERD, visit www.tahperd.org or the SFA Web site, www.sfasu.edu.